Mechanism of Action & Pharmacology:

• Mucilage is anti-inflammatory & primarily responsible for soothing action upon mucous membranes.
• Saponins may be responsible for the expectorant actions as they draw fluid from the tissues, thereby creating a thinner mucous that is easier to expectorate
• Flavonoids (e.g. acubin & luteolin) are anti-inflammatory, helping reduce copious mucous production and have showed promising antiproliferative activities, with an effect on inducing apoptosis of lung cancer cells.
• Iridoid compounds (e.g. verbathasin A) have potential antiangiogenic & antiproliferative activities.
• Phenylethanoid glycoside (verbascoside) has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the production of superoxide radicals and activity of iNOS.
• Volatile oils are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory & antispasmodic.

Pharmacy:

• Infusion
• Tincture
• Topical: Poultice & infused oils

Safety & Toxicity Concerns:

• None known.

Interactions:

• None reported.